Mark Feehily says watching Westlife perform without him was an ‘out‑of‑body’ experience.”

Watching Westlife Without Me Felt Like an ‘Out-of-Body’ Experience”

When seasoned pop star Mark Feehily found himself sidelined by illness during Westlife’s Wild Dreams tour, the experience proved to be more emotional—and surreal—than he could have imagined. In reflecting on that challenging period, Feehily described watching his bandmates perform in his absence as an “out‑of‑body experience.” (music-news.com, Ireland\\\’s Classic Hits Radio)

1. The Illness That Interrupted the Rhythm

At the close of 2022, normally indomitable singer Mark Feehily was struck down by pneumonia. The diagnosis forced him to pull out of several dates on Westlife’s tour—a particularly difficult decision, as the band hadn’t missed performing together in nearly 25 years. (music-news.com, AOL)

During the early days of his illness, he remained bedridden for weeks. Feehily likened the period to being “back in lockdown,” confined and disconnected from the camaraderie and energy of the stage. (Ireland\\\’s Classic Hits Radio, music-news.com)

2. A Strange Disconnect: The ‘Out-of-Body’ Feeling

The term “out-of-body experience” truly captured the emotional dissonance he felt—watching the tour go on, yet feeling removed from it, as if he were a spectator rather than a performer. (music-news.com)

For a man whose life has been defined by harmony and unity with his bandmates, to be absent felt deeply unsettling. It was the first time in almost a quarter-century that he—or any of them—had missed a string of shows as a group. (Ireland\\\’s Classic Hits Radio, music-news.com)

3. The Toll of Sudden Absence

The emotional weight of being separated from the Westlife spotlight, even temporarily, was heavy. Feehily admitted that, beyond the physical symptoms, the emotional burden of isolation and absence from the stage was the hardest part of his ordeal. (irishmirror.ie)

His heartfelt acknowledgment of being unable to share the stage — and the shared joy of performance — underscored how central Westlife had been to his life and identity.

4. A Supportive Band in His Absence

Even in his absence, the unity and professionalism of his bandmates shone through. Nicky, Shane, and Kian rose to the challenge, rearranging performances on short notice and continuing the tour as a trio. Feehily expressed deep gratitude for their support and resilience. (irishmirror.ie, AOL)

He also thanked fans for their overwhelming messages of love and encouragement, emphasizing how much their support helped buoy his spirits during recovery. (irishmirror.ie, AOL)

5. Fans Feel the Void—And Still Celebrate

Westlife fans were quick to share their reactions online. Many found the performances “incredible” even without Mark, praising how well the trio handled their parts. Yet, comments such as “it wasn’t the same without Mark” nostalgically underscored the heartfelt connection fans share with his presence. (Reddit)

One fan from Toronto posted:

“Of course it wasn’t the same without Mark, but the others did awesome.”
(Reddit)

Online communities resonated with Mark’s absence—while the performances were still celebrated, his voice and presence were unmistakably missed.

6. The Road to Recovery and Reunion

Though sidelined during the late 2022 tour, Feehily’s health steadily improved, and he eventually returned to performing with the group in 2023. The experience, however, served as a sobering reminder of the fragility underlying even the most successful careers.

In early 2024, he temporarily stepped down again due to further health concerns, signaling the ongoing battle he was fighting to regain his strength and well-being. (The Sun, RTE, Wikipedia)

Final Thoughts

Mark Feehily’s description of his absence as an “out‑of‑body experience” wasn’t just metaphorical—it was a visceral expression of the emotional rift he felt being separated from Westlife, a band and family he’s been a part of for decades. Seeing the tour continue without him plunged him into a liminal space: both present and painfully absent.

Yet, through vulnerability and gratitude, Mark’s story resonates as a testament to strength, love, and the power of community—from bandmates to fans—that underpins his journey back to health and harmony.

Summary — The Highlights at a Glance

If you’d like, I can also explore Mark’s performances upon his return, how the band navigated without him, or the latest updates on his health and future tours. Let me know!